He Is The Man

     We celebrated The Brain's birthday a couple of weeks ago with a couple of good meals and a new TV.  You could say we are living the American dream. We are trying to sell/giveaway this ol' box that was kindly handed down to us from my sister-in-law, Ashley, after it broke through her car window. I will miss that humungous glow-in-the-dark remote.

         This TV served us well, but when we found out it would cost $100+ to buy the converter box to take advantage of the many digital channels included with our rent, we decided to go crazy and buy a new, lighter TV that could handle all the digital channels for $200 at Costco.  I'm happy because our expanded channel selection has become a great tool to lure our friends over. Who knew there were so many BYU fans in Iowa City?    It was pretty cool to see them demolish Texas on Saturday. I'm not really into football, but apparently it was a big deal.
           On Brian's birthday weekend, we went downtown  to look at a bike trailer for sale at Iowa City's, Bike Library, and to go swimming at the CRWC. It was the Hawkeye's first home game, so we were curious to see what the tailgating was like. 
 There were Hawkeye Tents set up everywhere selling merchandise and food at 10:00 in the morning.  The game started at 2:30, but people start tailgating by Kinnick Stadium the night before home games here.

 

 

      To the left: Kinnick Stadium.  It seats 70,000 fans and home games sell out quickly.  The guy in the corner is wearing the popular gold and black striped overalls.  The style is to keep one strap unhooked, and show off your manliness with a naked torso like a centaur.  Brian wants a pair.

 Fans cram their parked cars into front yards,

 and golf courses, probably costing a pretty penny this close to the stadium.  Many people park in Coralville and take a train shuttle to Kinnick.

    After we passed that business, and looked at the used trailer at the Bike Library, we decided it wasn't that awesome for the price.  So we decided to go look at the mall to find a better deal.  I had low expectations because usually when I'm looking for deals I don't find them, but we walked into Scheel's and BAM, they were selling out their old models and they were on Clearance.  Sweet.  So we got this two-seater for $119: the cheapest price we've seen.

And savvy Brian found this adjustable helmet online for 15 bones. She doesn't love it, but I do.

    After we bought it and smooshed it in the back seat (we had our jogging stroller in the trunk) we headed to the pool.  I love to swim I love to swim I love to swim. Scarlett tries her hardest to enjoy the cool pool water, but she doesn't really relax until we get in the big hot tub at the end.  Its pretty much the same temp as her bathwater and it has no age restrictions so its perfect for her.  That's when she returns to normal and continues communicating as a baby dinosaur.

   After the much-needed swim (Iowa City is going through a heat-wave this August) we headed over to lunch at The Pit.  Brian wanted me to take a picture of him and his "Man Salad".  It was BBQ pork  and Bacon and Cheese tossed over their Homemade Tator-Tots.  Heartburn Heaven.

    Brian and I are pretty laid back when it comes to gift-giving.  Neither of us are very good at it. Our theory is that if you're going to spend our money on something for the other person, then maybe you should let them get exactly what they want. Sometimes we do surprise each other with little gifts and that is fun, but it doesn't make us any more excited about what the gift was. 
   So this time around I decided  to get him something he needed for his birthday, with  the help of my mom.  While she was here helping us get settled, she noticed the ragged state of Brian's blanket. That thing has been his only other sleeping companion since age 11.  It had a good run (14 years), but it was shredding and getting pretty mangy.  My mom and I stopped by Joann's and picked out some fabric, and through the magic of the US Postal Service and a mother's love and skill, it came the Monday after his birthday (along with a tie, birthday card, some salsa, and treats for me).
     I think I may love it even more than he does.  It turned out awesome.  I am amazed at my mom's Turn Around Time and by her generosity.  Thanks Mom!

       It has little bikes on it, one of Brian's loves. We retired his old blanket and he's been enjoying this new one.  Maybe it will last 15 years.
     I'm glad may Brian's been around these 25 years.  He's made me life exciting, happy, humorous, peaceful, and whole.  I love him I love him I love him.  We've been married for 3 years and I'm looking forward to a million ten thousand seventeen infinity more. I have been awestruck at times when I think about how he loves me back. Happy Birthday, B-dawg. We love you.